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Archived - Supporting Canadian Aerospace Excellence

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The Canadian aerospace industry is a global success story that is setting new standards for innovation, productivity and competitiveness, Industry Minister James Moore told a lunchtime audience today at the 2014 Canadian Aerospace Summit.

The Minister underlined the government's support for aerospace and reiterated its commitment to supporting the manufacturing industry and establishing the right economic conditions for success. These included lowering taxes, cutting the corporate rate from over 22 percent in 2007 to 15 percent today and removing the federal capital tax.

Minister Moore also announced the creation of the Space Advisory Board, which will provide expert advice to the government on Canada's role and future in space. The board includes experts from across the country who will help lead Canada's space policy in the years ahead.

The members of the Space Advisory Board are: General (Retired) Walt Natynczyk, Deputy Minister of Veterans Affairs Canada, former Chief of Defence Staff and former Canadian Space Agency President; Dr. Mamdouh Shoukri, President and Vice-Chancellor of York University; Terry Malley, President and CEO of Malley Industries; Dr. Arlene Ponting, President Emerita of MindFuel, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to inspiring young people's involvement in science through education; Lorne Trottier, Co-founder of Matrox Electronic Systems and the Trottier Family Foundation; Fred George, President and CEO of JLK Global Fund International and Honorary Captain to the Royal Canadian Navy; John Keating, Director of Sandvine and former CEO of COM DEV; Colonel Chris Hadfield, retired Canadian astronaut, former Commander of the International Space Station.

Quick facts

In 2013, Canada's aerospace industry was responsible for more than 170,000 jobs and contributed $28 billion to the economy. Aerospace is a priority sector under Canada's Global Markets Action Plan.

In response to the Emerson report on aerospace and space policies and programs, the government has provided additional funding to the Strategic Aerospace and Defence Initiative and launched a new program to support large-scale technology demonstration projects in the aerospace, space, defence and security industries.

The government recently committed $30 million (over five years) to a newly formed, industry-led research network, the Consortium for Aerospace Research and Innovation in Canada (CARIC).

It has also announced a comprehensive response to the space recommendations, including the release of Canada's Space Policy Framework to guide decisions in the future.

The Space Advisory Board will provide strategic advice on Canada's role and future in space.

Quote

"Canada's aerospace industry is one of the pillars of the Canadian economy. If we are to continue punching above our weight in aerospace, we must build on our successes. Our government is committed to setting the right conditions to ensure that the aerospace industry and all Canadian businesses continue to compete and succeed on the world stage."